Track Santa real time. ( Archived) (2)

He's made his list and checked it twice - now he's on his sleigh and travelling around the world.

Both Google and The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) have set up websites letting you track Santa's location in real time for the next 24 hours.

NORAD's preparations have seen miles of wire, dozens of computers and more than 150 telephone lines put in place to allow the American military to keep kids up to date with Santa's sleigh ride around the world.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command ( NORAD ) has been preparing for weeks to tackle its big one-day mission.

Volunteers are answering calls from children around the world who want to know about Santa's exact whereabouts.

The volunteers are also sharing Santa's location on its website, plus Facebook and Twitter.

NORAD has been tracking Santa's location for 60 years, and the programme is underwritten by contractors who pay for the equipment.

First lady Michelle Obama will also have some calls forwarded to her.

NORAD's normal job is to defend the skies and monitor sea approaches for both the US and Canada.

Its control room is based at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs.

The tracking service has been running since 1955 when a child accidently called NORAD and asked to speak to Santa.

Not wanting to disappoint the young caller, a staff member checked the radar to work out Santa's exact location for the child.

The employee then told his colleagues to do the same, if anyone else called about Santa.

Try this address all kids gig and small